3rd Degree

July 23rd, 2008 . By: Buzz Carrick

I realize that I am in essence reporting nothing, but so far 3rd Degree has been unable to confirm the sale of Juan Toja to Steaua Bucharest in Romania that was reported by Gazeta Sporturilor. When reached at training today, FCD head man Schellas Hyndman said nothing has gone down and FCD expects Toja to play against LA Galaxy this weekend. Hyndman also says FCD places a high value on Toja and expressed a hope he will stay in Dallas.

I think there’s interest in Juan. He’s a very good player and an all-star player. He’s in Toronto right now getting ready for the all-star game but I expect him here to play against LA. No one has told me anything different but after that, there might be some changes. I don’t know.

Hyndman went on to say FCD places a high value on Toja who was chosen for the MLS All-Star’s by New England coach Steve Nicol.

I think the team is in Bucharest that is very interested in him and they have to make an offer to FC Dallas that we think is of value to Juan’s ability. We’re not wanting to give Juan away. He’s a very important player for us but we also want to help Juan if he wants to go to Europe and play UEFA Championships or UEFA Cup because that’s a great step for him. This is a tribute for Juan because he’s a great player. But at this moment, we plan on him being here for the game against LA.

3rd Degree has checked with other of our various sources and are still coming up blank on this reported deal. Still it’s likely only a matter of time for the player who to leave and a team that’s willing to pay, and the FCD coach knows it.

The players want to go for themselves and their careers, maybe for more money. The clubs don’t want them to go because they are very important to the club, the fans and to winning. It’s a fine balance. We want Juan and are prepared to make this kind of an offer for Juan. We know he wants to go but it has to be the right offer.

It also appears Hyndman hasn’t given up on keeping Toja and is willing to discuss a new deal with the player to get him to stay, with the understanding that FCD plays in a league with a salary cap. Hyndman knows for his team to be successful as it’s built now he needs the young Colombian midfielder fit and happy.

How do I motivate him as a coach? The only thing any coach can do is to be honest. Juan we want you and encourage you to stay. We can talk about future contracts and will try to do certain things but we have a salary cap we have to work with. We want you to stay. I’ve already had this conversation with Juan. As a matter of fact, we met on Sunday at a coffee shop because he wanted my support. I think every coach has to support the players. When there’s no trust between the coach and player, there is a motivation problem. So, I want to help Juan but I also want to help this team.

So clearly there is some unfinished business one way or another. The question remains if Toja will head to Romania and if Steaua has put in an offer large enough to pry lose the player. That offer, in our opinion, will need to be in the neighborhood of $1.5 Mil US to get FCD to bite on a transfer. If the move doesn’t go down then it remains to be seen just how much money it would take to make Toja happy, and perhaps playing well again.

Categories: News .

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